Self-paced Online Course on Access to Information Laws and Policies and their Implementation
UNESCO developed a self-paced online course on access to information in cooperation with the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD). The course introduces right to access information legislation and its implementation. It is aimed at both requesters (demand-side) and information providers (supply-side) and covers a wide range of both conceptual and practical issues relating to access to information. It has been developed in response to the ever-changing access to information landscape and provides insight into the core working of access to information rules and better practices in different areas, while providing practical tips for information officers, those working at oversight bodies and requesters. The training is in English and comprises eight modules:
Module 1: International Standards
In 1766, Sweden became the first country to adopt an access to information law. The first module describes the progress which has been made since that date in the recognition and adoption of access to information laws, and constitutional and human rights guarantees.
Module 2: ATI, Development – Including the SDGs – and Other Benefits
The second module focuses on access to information-related benefits, which have been globally recognized in the development agenda, including the SDGs. These include using access to information to counter corruption, engaging the population in participatory governance and enabling government accountability by granting people the information they need.
Module 3: Principles of Good ATI Legislation
The third module presents the key principles which underpin a strong legal framework for the right to information. It highlights important standards which should be reflected in right to information laws, starting with the presumption in favour of access. It also explains the steps governments should follow to ensure everyone has the right to access information.
Module 4: Proactive Disclosure
Strong access to information systems also require information to be disclosed proactively in an easily accessible and understandable format. The fourth module provides details on systems for proactive disclosure of information, where public authorities, without being prompted or receiving a request, release information of their own accord.
Module 5: Reactive Disclosure
The fifth module seeks to help better understand the process of disclosing information in response to requests. It covers who can make a request, what type of information can be requested, what types of bodies requests can be submitted to, and the procedures for making and processing requests.
Module 6: Exceptions
Not all information is subject to disclosure. The sixth module discusses different exceptions, such as national security, commercial confidentiality and privacy. It also looks at how the right to access information should be balanced against these other rights and interests.
Module 7: Oversight
In this seventh module, systems for recourse to appeals are presented. These allow those whose requests for information have been refused or otherwise not processed properly to have recourse to independent reviews of these decisions, including before UN and regional human rights systems.
Module 8: Implementation: Steps and Challenges
The implementation stage is crucial for the effective realization of access to information. The last module explains what officials, civil society and media actors should do to ensure proper implementation of access to information guarantees.
Registration Process
- Access the following page.
- Click on the “enroll for free” button leading you to the course: UNESCO Open Online Course on Access to Information Laws and Policies and their Implementation
- Start the course that will take you approximately 8 hours
- Once you completed the 8 modules and the quizzes, you will receive a certificate of participation.